“Okuizome” (first meal) for Lui

 
okuizome first meal

Okuizome” (first meal)

 

Okuizome is the “First Meal” Ceremony for a baby on the 100th Day of Life. We try to live with Japanese tradition as much as possible here in U.S. Happy 100 days to my love Lui!

Okuizome for My Son: A Celebration of Life and Tradition

As a father, there are few things more precious than witnessing your child's milestones. Today, I had the privilege of preparing the first meal for my son's Okuizome, a traditional Japanese ceremony that marks a baby's 100th day of life. This is a significant event in a child's life, and it's an opportunity for the family to come together and celebrate.

In Japan, Okuizome is a time-honored tradition that dates back many centuries. It's a way for families to express gratitude for a child's birth and wish the baby a long and healthy life. The ceremony is often held in a Shinto shrine or temple, where the family prays for the baby's well-being and prosperity. The ceremony typically involves the parents, grandparents, and other family members, who gather to witness the baby's first taste of solid food.

The food served during Okuizome is highly symbolic and carries great meaning. The traditional menu includes rice, soup, and fish, which are important staples in Japanese cuisine. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented, and the baby is given a taste in a specific order.

One of the most important aspects of Okuizome is the use of special tableware and decorations. The baby's first meal is served on a special sekihan zen decorated with auspicious symbols such as cherry blossoms and cranes. The family also decorates the room with good luck and prosperity symbols, such as red and white banners, lucky charms, and flowers.

As I prepared the meal for my son's Okuizome, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and gratitude. I thought about the journey we've been on as a family and how much our lives have changed since our son was born. It was a moment of reflection and appreciation, and I felt incredibly blessed to share this special occasion with my family.

Okuizome for Lui

Okuizome is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that reflects the importance of family, community, and cultural heritage in Japanese culture. It's a way for families to come together, celebrate the birth of a new life, and express their hopes and wishes for the future. As Japanese living in the United States, we must keep this tradition alive and pass it on to future generations so that our cultural heritage remains an integral part of our lives.

As we celebrated my son's Okuizome, I was reminded of the importance of family and tradition. These moments make life truly meaningful, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share them with you. Here's to many more milestones and celebrations in the future!

20 mins sketch

Kion Coffee